The 2009 “Sandro” Cabernet-Merlot is in fact a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (20%), Syrah (10%), Petit Verdot (6%) and Sauvignon Blanc (4%), aged in 80% French and 20% American oak for 14 months. This is quite pleasant, suave and elegant, easygoing and tasty, with some ripe tannins and earthy notes rising up and providing a little character. There is not much mid-palate concentration or depth. It drinks quite nicely now and it is probably pretty close to peak now, however long it theoretically lasts. Drink now-2015. Note that the 2007s are current – they were just submitted by the winery. Some of them received extended oak aging, which may partly account for their late submission.Importer: Royal Wine Corp., Bayonne, N.J.; tel: (718) 534-0118